Yarnpreneur Profile – Cindy Toner – Monsoon Calamity

CT: My business started with one crochet pattern that I designed and my friends asked me to write out for them. That soon became many patterns when I discovered how much I love designing. After awhile, I thought to myself, I would love to make yarn, as well, so that I could use it in my designs – and Moca Cotton was born! The ‘Moca’ came from the first two letters of each word of my business name, Monsoon Calamity.

JM: Why did you start your business?

CT: I have always made and sold things! As a teenager, I sold jewelry holders that I would make with my family’s help and I’ve also sold pillowcases, cushion covers, quilts, and encaustic paintings over the years. This business, however, is the one I’ve been working towards and learning for my entire life! I love almost every part of it and feel like I am finally who I was meant to be. It really is a dream come true and I hope to do it for many years!

JM: What is your favorite thing about being a yarnpreneur™?

CT: I love that it fits into my life and lifestyle so well. I am a real homebody and I love being around my family so working from home is perfect for me. Also, I have to admit that I just love sending things through the mail! The thought that people around the world are opening packages of yarn that I packed up here in Canada makes me so happy! I’ve made so many friends in the process. And, of course, I love making the actual yarn – the business is lots of work, but it’s work that I love.

JM: What is your least favorite thing about being a yarnpreneur™?

CT:There is only one part of my business that I don’t enjoy – writing the yarn names on the tags – writing things by hand is difficult for me and my handwriting is not the best!

JM: What would you tell (or what advice would you give) someone that wants to be a yarnpreneur™?

CT:It’s never too late to start chasing a dream. When I first started this business, I kept saying to myself, ‘Paula Dean started her cooking empire in her own kitchen when she was 41 – it’s not too late for you!’ For many reasons, I wasn’t able to chase my dreams when I was in my 20s and 30s but I get to do it now and I’m so grateful.

JM: What do you wish you had done differently when you first started your business?

CT: I don’t think I would change anything, really. It’s been a crazy learning curve but it’s just been so fun that the hard work and stress have been worth it.

JM: What’s next for you and your business?

CT: There are so many things customers have asked for that I have to slowly incorporate into my business. I have tried to add sparkle to my yarn but have yet to find one I’m happy with, that keeps the yarn soft-feeling. I also would love to experiment with different fibres, long-term.

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